For those of you who don't know I'm a volunteer fire fighter and my father and my father-in-law were/are also volunteer fire fighters. I'm also the treasurer of a restoration group within our brigade, focused on rebuilding one of our own older vehicles which was originally dedicated to our captain who died fighting the 1968 fires near here.
I couldn't bring myself to just "restore" a die cast model. I had to put a spin on it so I worked it into my Very British Civil War project based on an real unit from 1930's Port Sunlight in the Wirral, UK.
Without further ado I present to you the stout (and heavily armed) men of Port Sunlight Fire Brigade with their trusty workhorse "Ethel".
They're ably led by Mr Arkwright and next to him is Trooper Jenkins holding the unit colours high for all to see. The firemen are all Musketeer/Footsore Miniatures and Ethel is a Solido brand die cast rendition of a 1930 Citroen C4F fire engine.
The engine was stripped right down to parts, cleaned and then repainted in stages during assembly. The process was quite straight forward as I've done a number of these before but it still takes time and care to get it right, especially as I brushed the fire engine red. I made the unit colour and the engine signage up in Photoshop to add a little flavour.
I hope you like Ethel and her crew. Thanks for looking...
Cheers,
Millsy
I've always marveled at the bravery of men who run towards danger rather than away from it. This is a wonderful tribute to firefighters everywhere and a splendid entry.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Thanks Anne but I feel I should set you straight. We never RUN anywhere when we can drive instead :-)
Delete"Mr Arkwright"! Now there's a good Northern name! "Aye, they're all steady lads, but you just need to keep an eye on young Millsy, once he gets a whiff o't'fire, he's off after it like a starved whippet after a pork pie."
ReplyDelete; )
Excellent work, sir!
Wonderful stuff! cheers PD
ReplyDeleteExcellent stuff!
ReplyDeleteA fitting tribute to all Firefighters, nice one Ethel!
ReplyDeletehmmm, are you suggesting that we should refer to Millsy as "Ethel" henceforth? Tsk, tsk ;)
DeleteYeah, like I really need ANOTHER nickname at the moment...
DeleteThat's such a lovely tone, nice work!
ReplyDeleteGreat work sir!
ReplyDeleteCracking tribute
ReplyDeleteYou've got my Son's vote and so will have mine as well. He only asks if you could include Fireman Sam next time ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'll do my best Sander. :-) What's your son's name mate?
DeleteI know it is wrong! the Camblewick Green firefighter song is no in my head and will be all morning! It will be an excellent VBCW addition.
ReplyDeleteLOL Trumpton actually. http://trumpton3.homestead.com/PughPughBarneyMcGrew/roll_call.mp3
DeleteWonderful entry and backstory, perhaps the best of this challenge
ReplyDeleteGreat job Millsy.
ReplyDeleteA most excellent entry, both for the time taken and the great looking outcome being a grey tribute.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tribute and good on you for your volunteering :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool tribute! I realy like this set and thier wheels.
ReplyDeleteThat is superb, lovely job Sir.
ReplyDeleteVery, very nicely done Millsy in all regards!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
I love this entry. And I like that you've included a picture of your good self Millsy!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful entry, Millsy!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea you put behind it and for your voluntary work only one word: Kudos!
I worked in our local fire brigades administration for a couple of years and I know how important volunteers are too support and backup the professionals. Not to say that some area don't maintain fulltime firefighters which makes good chaps like you even more important.
Simply brilliant entry!
Aah .. Good one Millsy
ReplyDeleteGreat work on the fire truck, it looks brilliant! Thank you as well, for the work you do, putting yourself at risk to help others.
ReplyDeleteThanks folks! Guess what? It's POURING with rain today so no fires and I have an excuse to stay in and paint. :-)
ReplyDeleteMillsy - great work, and a fantastic tribute to all the fire-fighters out there!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking crew, Millsy! The fire Engine isn't too shabby either. Shoulda went with some red suspenders on the lads though; yet I like how they seem to be sporting some of their turnout gear! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat tribute and super VBCW unit!
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